Sometimes roof repair is hard to avoid. Most homeowners have had their fair share of roofing issues over the course of their lives. These issues range anywhere from leaks to missing shingles, to cracks and debris. While many of these problems appear small, most of them require immediate attention to avoid more major damage down the line. Here are quite a few of the most common roofing issues.
In general roof repair is not an easy job, and should be handled by professionals. Attempting to repair a roof on your own without the proper training can be very dangerous and lead to serious injury. That is why it is best to call a local and trusted roof repair professional to get the job done for you.
1. Leaks
This is the most common roof repair done all across the world. Leaks can be caused by cracked flashings, broken shingles, pests, and much more. Here are a few of the most common leak locations:
- Around skylights
- Near vents
- In the valley of the roof
- Around gutters
- Around damaged shingles
- Next to the chimney
- Near flashings
The signs that there is a leak usually include damp walls and dark spots on your ceiling. It is best to get a roofing expert to inspect your home right away if you experience either of these.
2. Poor Roof Repair Slope
The number one sign of a poor roof slope is a pooling of water on your roof. If you have a flat roof, or a roof without many slopes it is recommended that you have tampered areas on the surface of your roof. These slopes will allow water to move off of your roof rather than pooling. If water begins to pool it can weigh on your roof and increase the risk of water damage.
3. Holes
Besides the shingles themselves, roof repair may be required on the eaves and other layers under the shingles. Over the years, animals, pests, and even people walking on your roof can damage the lower layers. This exposes your home to wood rot and other forms of damage. Make sure to get this part of your roof inspected every time you replace it, to ensure you won’t have to tear off your new roof early.
4. Shrinking Materials
Sometimes roofing material will shrink. This can cause issues such as deterioration, cracking, and even damaging flashings. Shrinking is most commonly known to damage roofs with a synthetic covering known as EPDM, but other roof coverings are very susceptible as well.
5. Cracking
Cracking occurs when roofing material begins to weaken and split. Roofs that have had reroofing or patch jobs done, meaning they have more than one layer are the most susceptible to cracking. This likelihood is increased even more if the roof is also a flat roof.
6. Ice
Water can easily slip into your roof and get under your shingles, which usually is not the biggest issue unless you have a leak. In the wintertime, however, this water can freeze, under your shingles and cause major damage. When this happens your shingles can crack or even be lifted from your roof. The best way to avoid this is to get a professional roof repair inspection each fall and spring. This will ensure your roof is in good shape going into and leaving the winter months.
7. Bad installation
A very common mistake that new homeowners make is they hire the cheapest roofer on the market. These roofers are often inexperienced and can actually cost you money with their mistakes. Not to mention, many of them are not even insured. Poorly installed roofs are the most common causes of mold and short roof life spans.
It is best to hire a local professional with a strong reputation. Look for roofers who openly display their certifications, licenses, and insurance, and who openly encourage their potential customers to talk with their previous customers. This shows strong confidence in their work, which means they are more likely to do a good job.
8. Roof Repair: Debris
Debris such as falling limbs is in need of immediate attention if they land on your roof. If you don’t act fast, this debris can significantly increase your roof repair costs. If your roof does not have debris falling on it, but does have branches rubbing against it, you may still be at risk. Tree limbs can break down the top layer of your roof, and cause damage down the line. If you cannot eliminate the trees the best thing to do is regular annual maintenance by cutting back the limbs whenever possible.
9. Gutters
Clogged or damaged gutters can cause a lot more damage than many might think. Poor gutter systems can cause water to back up and seep into your roof. This can cause wood rot, leaks, and water damage. Regular inspection of your gutters and downspouts is imperative to the health of your gutters and roof.
10. Roof Repair Maintenance
Many major roof repair problems are simply caused by poor maintenance. Not inspecting your roof, not filing problems immediately, and ignoring signs of damage can all make a simple problem much worse. Keep a set roof maintenance schedule to keep your roof in the best shape. Having your roof inspected and maintained often can be the difference between finding a small leak, and needing a full roof replacement.
High-Quality Roof Repair
When you are having roofing problems or are in need of roof repair, it is important to have a local roofer at your side that you can trust. Integrity Roofing and Exteriors has been in business for over a decade and would be more than happy to serve you! Contact us today for a complimentary roofing estimate or find us on Facebook! Work with the team that works with Integrity and protect what matters most!